Paula Davies is Award Winning!
Dr. Anne Bannister had a distinguished career as a probation officer, social worker, Dramatherapist, and Psychodramatist. She managed the Child Sexual Abuse Consultancy in Manchester under the NSPCC until her retirement in 1996. Anne trained and supervised colleagues, wrote extensively, and lectured internationally. A founding member of the Northern School of Psychotherapy in Psychodrama, she earned a doctorate researching creative therapies for traumatised children. To honour her contributions, the Anne Bannister Scholarship has been established to support future professionals in the field.
Paula Davies, our Counselling & Therapy Team Manager won this year's award for her extensive therapeutic work with children. In 1999, she was part of a small group that introduced arts therapies into schools in Plymouth. The award also recognised her research and writing efforts, which include a chapter in the book "One-to-One Psychodrama Psychotherapy-Application and technique" by Anna Chesner, and some articles in various journals about her work. Additionally, she is collaborating with other psychotherapists across the country to promote the recognition of psychotherapists who work with children within the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).
Here are a few highlights from Paula's career:
- In 1999, Paula began working as a drama therapist alongside three other creative arts therapists to introduce creative arts therapy in a disadvantaged area of Plymouth. This was successfully established in six schools. This work continued and expanded with the Excellence Cluster and now with Plymouth Learning Partnership.
- In 2009, Paula pursued group and individual psychotherapy in psychodrama, aiming to incorporate this method with children. Her inspiration came from readings of Anne Bannister.
- In 2016/2017, Paula contributed a chapter to the book "One-to-One Psychodrama Psychotherapy: Applications and Techniques," edited by Anna Chesner. The chapter focused on her work with children, utilising key psychodrama techniques and methods, including role analysis.
- In April/May 2021, Paula wrote an article titled "Reflecting on the Emerging Hope and Optimism While Working with Children During COVID-19," which discusses her experiences working with children during the pandemic.
- From 2024 to the present, Paula has embarked on The Trainers Journey to train future trainees in psychodrama. As part of this initiative, Paula aims to create and develop modules and training programs for Psychodramatists who work with children.
- Currently Paula is part of a working group with three other psychotherapists from various modalities. Where the goal is to advocate for the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) to recognise and eventually accredit psychotherapists trained by the BPA and others who work with children. This involves researching and developing necessary competencies and qualifications. Paula also serves on the BPA committee and supports Jinnie Jeffries in representing the BPA in the Health and Care Professions Council (HPCI) as part of this work.
Congratulations Paula we are honured to have you as part of the PLP team!
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